I did not always like ginger juice or gnamankoudji as it is commonly called in Côte d’Ivoire, I much preferred sweeter drinks like bissap (sorrel juice) or tomi (tamarind juice). The ginger juice stings when you drink it. I did not like that it made my throat itch sometimes. Now, I do. According to local wisdom, the strong flavor of ginger juice is exactly why it is so good for you. It tickles natural protective elements into life! It goes very well with pineapple juice or mint syrup which soften it both, but if you like ginger, you will be in for a treat just drinking it plain.
Ginger juice, gnamankou Recipe
Prep time | 1 hour, 30 minutes |
Ingredients
- 1/2lb fresh ginger
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- vanilla extract
- mint leaves
- 3 lemons (or lime)
Directions
1. | Peel the ginger and blend with a little water to make a paste (or grate it) |
2. | Boil the water, add to the ginger paste. Add the unpeeled and cut lemons to the water/ginger infusion. Let stand for an hour. |
3. | Strain the juice. Add vanilla and sugar gradually. Taste periodically to check the amount of sugar is sufficient. Add a few mint leaves, bottle and store in the fridge. |
4. | Shake the bottle before use, because ginger settles to the bottom. |
5. | Peel the ginger and blend with a little water to make a paste (or grate it) |
Note
Adapted from: http://www.marmiton.org/recettes/recette_gnamakoudji-ou-jus-de-gingembre-cote-d-ivoire_35603.aspx